B/R NFL 1,000: Top 50 Tight Ends

The evolution of the tight end position accelerated over the last season. Long gone are the days of a tight end being used as only a run-blocker, or only as a threat on short routes over the middle. Tony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark helped revolutionize the position. Now a new crop of players is ready to take tight ends to a new level.

Which players stood out most during the 2011 season, and who is the best of this new breed of tight end?

To find out, we've determined what makes up a great tight end and how well each 2011 starter represents those traits. The quest comes as part of the B/R NFL 1,000. The new series offers an in-depth look at every position in the NFL, breaking down players' skills in a way never before seen on the Internet.

B/R 1,000 rankings don't assess who had the best year or even who has the most potential. Rather, players—in this case, tight ends—are judged on their current skills and mechanics, based on film study of the 2011 NFL preseason and regular season only.

After hours spent scouting every starter and every potential starter, the top 50 tight ends have been scored in 10 criteria (more on the criteria here). In the slides that follow, we'll explain each player's strengths and weaknesses as the final ranking is revealed.

42. Clay Harbor, Philadelphia Eagles

Agility

Fits the mold of tight end/fullback well with good short-area quickness and burst. A solid athlete.

Pass Blocking

4.5

Can be a helpful blocker picking up the blitz either in-line or out of the backfield. Will be overpowered at times and must learn to take better angles to the defender.

Run Blocking

4

Can get low and push the pile but isn’t strong enough to win one-on-one battles against defenders coming in for the tackle.

Route Running

5

Very good on short routes and when asked to fade to the flats. Harbor needs more experience and exposure to more routes going forward.

Hands

6

Soft hands, especially when moving. Will struggle in traffic to extend and get the football. Shows little to no ability to high-point the ball—scout-speak for reaching high to catch the ball at the height of its trajectory.

Speed

6

Has very respectable speed, clocked at 4.58 and 4.69 before the 2010 NFL draft.

Size

10

Has good size for the hybrid role at 6’3” and 250 lbs.

Release

5

Much better when releasing off of motion or when off the line of scrimmage. Doesn’t have the strength to get a clean release when in-line.

Run After Catch

6

Good skills to catch and turn upfield. Has limited moves in the open field.

Health

10

Did not miss a game in 2011.

Overall

62.5

Harbor was a college wide receiver, so the transition to tight end has been new. There is talent here, especially as a fit in the West Coast offense the Eagles run. He has the traits to develop at either fullback or tight end.

31. Kevin Boss, Oakland Raiders

Agility

Is more quick than fast, showing good lateral agility and the hip flexibility to sink and change direction in his routes.

Pass Blocking

2.5

Rarely asked to stay in and help on blocks, Boss doesn’t have the strength in his lower body to be considered a threat as a pass-protector.

Run Blocking

3

Isn’t very physical at the point of attack and can be beaten off the line. Doesn’t yet have a great feel for angles and technique. Due to his height, he loses leverage early and hasn’t shown the footwork to be a drive-blocker.

Route Running

6.5

Can get too high in his stance, failing to sink his hips to separate out of his cuts downfield. Otherwise a clean route-runner who knows how to use his body to set up defenders.

Hands

8.5

Only dropped one pass in 2011 but missed several others that could have been caught if he had extended better.

Speed

6.5

Boss has enough speed and is above average compared with other tight ends.

Size

10

At 6’6" and 255 lbs, he represents the ideal size for an NFL tight end.

Release

6

Takes good angles to get free but will get hung up at times. Can be knocked off his route initially when he fires out too high.

Run After Catch

6

Lacks the speed to be a major player post-catch but has the presence of mind to turn upfield and pick up available yards.

Health

9

Missed the first two games of the season with an injury.

Overall

66

Boss is an exceptional athlete with very good feet and length, but he is a raw blocker who needs to work on his all-around game.

30. Owen Daniels, Houston Texans

Agility

Daniels is quick enough to get open and make moves in space. Doesn’t show great burst or open-field moves.

Pass Blocking

2

Rarely asked to help as a pass-blocker, Daniels doesn’t show much ability in screen packages or when in-line.

Run Blocking

1.5

A liability in run blocking, Daniels has never been a great in-line player on running downs. He fails to initiate contact and can be pushed off the ball.

Route Running

7

Is able to avoid underneath coverage on the route stem and uses his frame to box out defenders.

Hands

9

Just two dropped passes all season. Daniels is a reliable target over the middle.

Speed

6.5

Nothing special, but fast enough to be faster than the average tight end—and to do damage in the secondary.

Size

10

Looks the part at 6’3” and 247 lbs.

Release

6

Can get held up at the line of scrimmage by a good edge defender. Has the speed to recover.

Run After Catch

7.5

Fast enough to catch, turn and run. Good open-field ability and will pick up big yards after the catch.

Health

9

Started every game in 2011 and appears healthy after a torn ACL cost him chunks of the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Overall

66

Daniels faded down the stretch when Matt Schaub was injured, failing to find a chemistry with T.J. Yates. He was almost invisible in the playoffs. You can blame it on the quarterback, but Daniels’ play slipped more as a blocker than receiver down the stretch.

26. Fred Davis, Washington Redskins

Agility

More quick than fast, showing good lateral agility and the hip flexibility to sink and change direction in his routes.

Pass Blocking

5

Rarely asked to stay in and help on blocks, Davis has average strength in his lower body. Not considered a threat as a pass-protector.

Run Blocking

1

Defenders can stand him up, as he fails to fire out low and maintain leverage. Lacks the strength to push the pile.

Route Running

7

Runs a nice seam route. Shows quick feet when working back to the ball. Underrated by most in this regard.

Hands

8

Doesn’t mishandle many—just three dropped passes in 2011.

Speed

6.5

Doesn’t have the speed to run away from defenders. Works better in short spaces and tight windows where his size and quickness can be an asset.

Size

10

Fits the ideal build at 6’4” and 258 lbs.

Release

6

Has good burst off the line but can come out too high, which allows defenders to get into his frame and knock him off the route.

Run After Catch

8

Picked up more than six yards after the catch on average. Has the quickness and vision to be an impact in space.

Health

10

Did not miss any starts to injury in 2011.

Overall

68.5

Davis’ season was cut short due to a suspension, and he enters free agency this summer. An underrated player to date, Davis has the athletic ability and talent to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player if he can turn his potential into production.

24. Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles

Agility

Celek’s quickness, balance and change-of-direction skills show off surprising agility.

Pass Blocking

5

Is good when asked to help in a screen package, and can chip off the line, but he’s not an in-line blocker.

Run Blocking

3.5

Not a run-blocker, Celek is vulnerable. He’s not strong enough to move the pile or maintain contact.

Route Running

7

A smart player who gets open using angles and initial quickness. Does very well changing direction and working back to the football.

Hands

6

Will drop passes, especially if he has to extend to reach the ball. Celek is at his best when the ball hits him right in the chest.

Speed

6.5

Doesn’t have elite speed but is quick enough to get free in space and work himself open against pass coverage.

Size

10

Has a big, solid frame at 6’4” and 261 lbs.

Release

6.5

Can get hung up at the line, especially if there’s a strong outside linebacker hitting him, but he does use his hands well to break free and get back on his route.

Run After Catch

8

Top five among all tight ends with an average of eight yards after the catch. He’s not blazing fast, but Celek is smart and uses his quickness to pick up extra yards.

Health

10

Did not miss a start in 2011.

Overall

70

Celek isn’t an all-around tight end, but he’s the perfect fit for the West Coast offense in Philadelphia. He can get open, has the quickness to pick up yards after the catch and is strong enough to break tackles.

23. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers

Agility

Very strong and quick off the line, Olsen moves well in space. He has the overall athletic ability to be a matchup problem in the red zone and up the seam.

Pass Blocking

4

Wasn’t asked to stay in and block often in Carolina. Doesn’t have the size to stay in-line and handle pass-rushers one-on-one. Can help and chip, but nothing more.

Run Blocking

4.5

Fires off with good spark but doesn’t maintain well when locking on. Gives up plays to a strong inside-out move.

Route Running

8

Flashes on film when creating space between himself and defenders. Has the size to fight off press coverage and the quickness to change direction and leave the coverage hanging.

Hands

6.5

Five dropped passes in just 89 targets is a bit worrisome. Was adjusting to a new quarterback, so his numbers should jump in 2012.

Speed

7

Enough speed to create and separate. Won’t run away from defenders post-catch but is fast enough to get into the cushion and then redirect.

Size

10

Fits the mold of today’s tight end at 6’5” and 255 lbs.

Release

7

Strong enough to fight off the jam but will get caught up when coming from off the line of scrimmage. Plays better in-line, where he can use his strength and quickness to jump off the ball.

Run After Catch

5

Picked up 4.7 yards after the catch, a solid number for a big tight end. Olsen’s numbers could improve with better ball placement, but he’s also not fast enough to elude tacklers in space.

Health

10

Played in every game in 2011.

Overall

70

One of the players who would greatly benefit from a “potential” score, Olsen has just scratched the surface of the player he can become. Fewer drops and fewer penalties will help his chances down the road.

18. Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers

Agility

Finley is an exceptional athlete, but it doesn’t translate to the field. His run after catch can be spotty and his hands are a major question mark.

Pass Blocking

6

Uses his frame well to redirect pass-rushers but doesn’t stand in and "chicken fight" when needed.

Run Blocking

4

Poor leverage kills his chances of drive blocking. Will get in the way and wall off. Blocks more like a wide receiver.

Route Running

8

Very good route-runner who can use his agility to shake defenders. Excels at post-corner routes and getting up the seam.

Hands

3.5

His 12 drops in 2011 were by far the most among tight ends.

Speed

8

Has very good speed and can eat up yards. Uses his speed well to get open on linebackers or cornerbacks.

Size

10

Looks and plays like a power forward. Uses his long frame to extend for the ball and block out defenders.

Release

6

Can get a little high but is athletic enough to rip or swim linebackers trying to jam him off the line. Not as good when working in-line as opposed to the slot.

Run After Catch

7

Doesn’t use his athleticism to the full advantage here. Looks to make too many lateral moves instead of powering ahead.

Health

10

Started every game in 2011.

Overall

72.5

An intimidating athlete, Finley has yet to turn his athleticism into a force on the field. Is a finesse player who has to learn to get dirty and take a hit. His biggest value, by far, is in that he draws attention away from the wide receivers on the field.

17. Jake Ballard, New York Giants

Agility

Has the agility to move laterally and change direction. Good overall balance and flexibility.

Pass Blocking

5

Is strong but will get beat off the edge. Lacks the experience and technique to stay in and block. Is asked to be a receiver first and second in the Giants offense.

Run Blocking

4

Has the strength to fire off the line and make contact. Doesn’t maintain his blocks well. Will be beaten with a solid second move.

Route Running

7

Solid change-of-direction skills allow Ballard to get open. Has a big frame and uses his body to box out defenders.

Hands

8.5

Ballard does a great job securing the ball, even when he’s on the verge of being rocked. Looks the ball in and has big, strong hands.

Speed

7.5

Ballard doesn’t possess breakaway speed, but he has very good burst. While his straight-line speed is lacking, his short-area quickness makes up for it.

Size

10

At 6’6” and 275 lbs, Ballard has a great frame for the position.

Release

7.5

Strong enough to get free off the line but did struggle against a jam from an outside linebacker at the line. Against San Francisco he had his worst game in terms of release.

Run After Catch

7.5

Has very good vision. Makes the catch and then quickly turns to get upfield. Has the speed and quickness to pick up yards. Averaged 5.2 yards per clip after the catch.

Health

8

Missed two games in late 2011. Tore his ACL in the Super Bowl.

Overall

72.5

Ballard’s 2012 season will be set back by a torn ACL suffered during the Super Bowl. He’s a talented tight end who has room to grow after an impressive second season in the NFL. His future hinges on his recovery time.

16. Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati Bengals

Agility

A very good all-around athlete, Gresham moves very well for a man who weighs 260 lbs.

Pass Blocking

7

Has the long arms and big frame to stand in and fight at the edge. Does well coming off the ball and chipping blitzers.

Run Blocking

3.5

Struggles when asked to play in-line and come off the ball to drive block. Can crack off the edge but shouldn’t be asked to simply line up and move the pile.

Route Running

7

Runs hard off the line and gets into his route quickly. Flashes his hands to the quarterback and is a big target up the seam. Hard to defend in the red zone.

Hands

7

Put six passes on the ground in 2011. Has big hands and does well extending but needs to secure the ball before turning.

Speed

7

Ran a solid 4.66 in the 40-yard dash before being drafted. Has speed comparable with a slow wide receiver, which is great for a tight end.

Size

10

A dominant athlete with the ideal frame at 6’5” and 260 lbs.

Release

7

Strong enough to beat linebackers off the edge. Comes out in the slot often. Will get hung up more often by defensive ends sliding out on him.

Run After Catch

7

Can make some moves post-catch. Has enough speed to hit the open field and pick up yards. Will see an increase as Andy Dalton improves his placement. His production did not match his ability in 2011.

Health

9

Missed two games due to injury in 2011.

Overall

72.5

Gresham wasn’t used to his full ability in 2011, but as young quarterback Andy Dalton progresses, Gresham’s numbers should too. The pressure is on him to improve as a run-blocker and work on looking the ball in.

13. Martellus Bennett, Dallas Cowboys

Agility

Bennett moves well for a man his size, showing quick feet and good agility, both laterally and vertically. Has the quickness to get free off the snap.

Pass Blocking

6

Asked to stay in and block often, Bennett can extend and reach pass-rushers, but has the quick feet to slide and protect. Loses focus and will miss assignments.

Run Blocking

8.5

Better than advertised, Bennett excels at firing off the line and driving defenders off the ball. He’s also dangerous pulling and cracking on linebackers.

Route Running

5.5

Doesn’t show great consistency and must become more of a technician in this area through increased exposure in the passing game. Asked to stay in and block more than run routes.

Hands

7.5

Will occasionally put the ball on the ground, but has big, strong hands and does a nice job extending to make the catch. Despite his impressive skill set, Bennett was targeted just 24 times in 2011.

Speed

8

Has the burst to eat up ground off the ball, but also has the straight-line speed to outrun defenders once he has the ball.

Size

10

Has overpowering size at 6’6” and 260 lbs.

Release

5.5

Gets too high coming out of his stance on passing routes, giving the defense a clear tell on the play. On blocking assignments he’s low and clear, which shows ability to correct this. Bennett was asked to release fewer than 50 times all season.

Run After Catch

6.5

Has the agility and speed to be dangerous here, but Bennett hasn’t become a run-after-catch factor yet in his career.

Health

9

Missed two games during the 2011 season.

Overall

74

An underrated tight end who plays in the large shadow of Jason Witten. Bennett has the measurables and traits to be a starter, but to date he’s not capitalized on his opportunities.

Speed

Size

Has the size to be a factor as a receiver and blocker at 6’5” and 265 lbs.

Release

6.5

Has the size to fight off jams but will lose his timing if hit hard at the snap. Needs to redirect better.

Run After Catch

5.5

Doesn’t have the speed to be a factor post-catch.

Health

10

Did not miss a start in 2011.

Overall

74.5

A very good all-around player, Pettigrew has the size to be a red-zone nightmare for defenses. His ability as a pass-blocker is underrated and overlooked but shows up big on film. Pettigrew should see an expanded role as Matthew Stafford grows into the position.

9. Joel Dreessen, Houston Texans

Agility

A solid athlete, Dreessen doesn’t have elite quickness but does well enough to make plays and extend blocks.

Pass Blocking

7

Is able to stay in-line and hold his own against defensive ends and outside linebackers. Has long arms and quick feet to get to the edge.

Run Blocking

7.5

Fires off the ball with good burst and leverage, sinking his hips through the block and controlling the defender with solid hand placement. A smart blocker who positions well.

Route Running

7

Is a clean route-runner who may not be as fast as other tight ends, but he makes crisp cuts and has impeccable timing.

Hands

7.5

Dreessen is big enough and strong enough to extend for the football. His concentration is key, as he rarely drops passes thrown in a catchable area.

Speed

6

Has above-average speed to extend upfield and get in and out of breaks in his routes. Serviceable but not exceptional.

Size

10

At 6’4” and 245 lbs, Dreessen is big enough to handle blocking duties and tall enough to grab jump balls in the passing game.

Release

8

Comes off the line cleanly, showing good use of his hands and shoulders to rub defenders. Keeps enough distance to avoid being tied up.

Run After Catch

6

Lacks the speed to be a major player post-catch but has the presence of mind to turn upfield and pick up available yards.

Health

10

Did not miss time in 2011.

Overall

75

Dreessen emerged in 2011 as a viable threat, both blocking and receiving for the Houston Texans. He doesn’t have the athletic ability to be a great receiver, but his value as a blocker makes him a key player in the NFL.

7. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers

Agility

Gates, in his advanced age, has above-average upfield and lateral quickness.

Pass Blocking

4

Gates is hardly ever asked to stay in and block, but he does do a nice job getting upfield on screen packages to help in blocking.

Run Blocking

3

Gates is not a run-blocker by any stretch of the imagination. He fails to drive off the ball and will miss assignments.

Route Running

9

Brilliant as a route-runner. Is able to avoid underneath coverage on the route stem and use his frame to box out defenders.

Hands

10

Just one dropped pass all season. Gates is a sure thing. His ability to adjust his body and make a catch no matter his positioning is remarkable.

Speed

8.5

Still has the speed to get the ball and run away from defenders. This trait was lacking early in the season due to injury, but by the end of the year he was back.

Size

10

Excellent size at 6’4” and 260 lbs.

Release

10

When he explodes out of his stance, he immediately gains an advantage.

Run After Catch

7

Doesn’t make people miss, but has the speed to pick up positive yards post-catch.

Health

8

Missed three games to injury and was slowed in others during 2011 season.

Overall

77.5

When healthy, Gates is arguably the best tight end of all time. His 2011 season was marred with injury, but Gates recovered well down the stretch and was once again the most reliable weapon in the San Diego offense.

Overall

3. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Agility

7

Not as quick off the ball as other tight ends, Witten does well moving laterally and has some quickness initially. He’s an above-average athlete, but in today’s era of super-athletes at the position he is a bit lacking.

Pass Blocking

6

Asked to be more of a receiver than blocker, Witten’s weakness is his ability to stay in-line and handle pass-rushers.

Run Blocking

5.5

A highly praised run-blocker, Witten’s 2011 tape didn’t show an elite drive-blocker. He succeeds at creating a seal, but he didn’t show the strength to push defenders off the ball consistently.

Route Running

9.5

Witten’s understanding of space is elite. Few players use their hands as well as Witten does to bounce off defenders and get open. He’s quick enough to change direction on linebackers and is the best in the game at finding openings in a zone.

Hands

8.5

Sure-handed in the open field, Witten will put a few on the ground when pressed. He does a nice job extending to get the football and catches with fingers stretched. Witten is strong enough to snag the ball out of the air.

Speed

6.5

Witten has above-average speed for the position, showing enough quickness to get open but not enough to be a threat to break away from coverage.

Size

10

Witten stands out at 6’6” and 260 lbs. He possesses the ideal Herculean build tight ends need to have.

Release

10

Is strong enough to push off the line and get free. Uses his arms well to generate distance between himself and the coverage.

Run After Catch

6.5

Not a speedster, Witten won’t pick up huge gains after the catch, but he’s elusive enough to get free and smart enough to find openings in the defense.

Health

10

Did not miss a start in 2011.

Overall

79.5

Not as consistent in 2011 as years past, Witten remains one of the best all-around tight ends in football. As the game shifts to a more athletic tight end, Witten is becoming a bit of a throwback player.

2. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints

Agility

Is very light on his feet and moves around quickly, showing the athleticism that made him a basketball player in college.

Pass Blocking

4

A raw pass-blocker who is rarely asked to stay in and protect. Graham is better served in the passing game as a receiver.

Run Blocking

3

Isn’t very physical at the point of attack and can be beaten off the line. Doesn’t yet have a great feel for angles and technique. Due to his height, he loses leverage early and hasn’t shown the footwork to be a drive-blocker.

Route Running

10

Is a natural athlete with good skills here. Graham is aware of space and does a great job using his body to shield defenders.

Hands

8

Will drop a few, but Graham is sure-handed and dangerous. He’s able to track the ball deep, something few tight ends can do, and is a threat downfield. Graham does a nice job using his hands to go get the football, where his long arms are huge assets.

Speed

9

Doesn’t have great speed out of the blocks, but uses his long stride and quick feet to eat up space. Has enough speed and length to drive defenders off the ball in coverage.

Size

10

Unheard-of size at 6’7” and 260 lbs. Goliath-like.

Release

9

Gets off the line very well in both a two- and three-point stance. Can be used in motion and is strong enough to fight off the jam. Has long arms that allow him to keep defenders at bay. His long stride makes it almost impossible to play him in bump coverage.

Run After Catch

10

Shows his natural athleticism in space. Graham is a threat to take a short pass and turn it upfield for a big gain. His combination of agility, stride and speed make for a deadly combination.

Health

10

Took some hard hits in 2011 but didn’t miss a start.

Overall

82

Graham is one of the best tight ends in the game, but he’s also one of the best receivers in the game. The Saints use him all over the field, where his height and size make him a massive problem for defenders.

1. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

Agility

Good lateral agility to get into his route quickly. Is an overall great athlete who puts his skills on display regularly. Has the speed, burst and flexibility that NFL scouts love.

Pass Blocking

4

A solid in-line blocker who has a solid punch off the snap and can sustain blocks. Isn’t asked to stay in and protect much, as he is the Patriots' best downfield threat.

Run Blocking

8.5

Has the lateral agility to mirror and the hand strength to latch on and drive block. Very good seal-blocker on the edge and is surprisingly effective driving defenders off the ball.

Route Running

10

A very smart route-runner who took his experience at wide receiver in college and transformed himself into a dominant player. He has a great understanding of space and how to read safeties, which makes him dangerous in zone routes.

Hands

5.5

Soft hands to pluck the ball outside of his frame but puts too many balls on the ground due to poor concentration. Can bend low to get the ball. Catches the ball with his hands, but will body-catch when he feels footsteps.

Speed

9

Good acceleration and straight-line speed allow Gronkowski to blow by defenders. Quick release off the snap. Has enough speed to pressure cover men into their backpedal early. Is often covered by cornerbacks.

Size

10

Has ideal NFL size (6'6", 265 lbs) with no issues.

Release

8

Good initial quickness off the snap with strong use of hands to fight through the initial jam. Has enough straight-line speed to challenge down the seam.

Run After Catch

10

Doesn’t make many people miss but has great acceleration and very good field vision to find openings and get through traffic.

Health

10

Didn’t miss a start in 2011.

Overall

85

The NFL’s best all-around tight end, Gronkowski is an underrated and overlooked blocker in combination with his jaw-dropping ability as a tight end for the New England Patriots. He’s a matchup nightmare.